Quick and healthy salad recipes

Discover our healthy throw together salads made in under 15 mins plus try 5 simple salad dressings.

By WeightWatchers

Published 27 January 2021 | Updated 22 April 2024

Salads can be so much more than simply lettuce and tomato in a garden salad. They can be quick, delicious and filling, you just need some salad inspiration! We've selected our favourite throw together salads that can be made in as little as 15 minutes plus learn how to make 5 fabulous salad dressings below.

Keen to try a super trendy poke bowl? Try our recipe for tuna poke bowl- simply make a quick marinade with ginger, soy, mirin and sesame oil to marinate the tuna for 5 minutes then assemble.

Quick throw together salads

The best thing about a salad is that they are healthy and quick to make! From our quick ricotta pasta salad to a chicken and walnut salad, we have speedy ideas you'll love. Best of all, you can make a big batch and serve them up as lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Marinated mushroom and tofu salad

Tomato, chicken and ricotta pasta

Tuna, black bean and corn salad

Pork, apple and mint salad

Chopped chicken, roasted capsicum, walnut and rocket salad

Soy, chilli and ginger beef salad

Lentil and salmon salad

Tuna and chickpea salad with orange and cumin dressing

Couscous salad with tuna, tomatoes, olives and rocket

Vegetarian salads

Liven up a traditional Italian salad with a medley of tomatoes in our heirloom tomato caprese salad. Or use your leftover roast pumpkin from the night before roast in our pumpkin, kale and couscous salad. Why not create a lighter version of the traditional Waldorf salad by making the dressing with 99% fat-free plain yoghurt.

Heirloom tomato caprese salad

Roasted pumpkin, kale and couscous salad

Crunchy waldorf salad with yoghurt dressing

Greek salad with feta and artichokes

Baby cos and grape salad

Haloumi, asparagus and Brussels sprouts salad

More recipes

5 simple salad dressings

Just a drizzle or dollop of these salad dressing can transform a simple meal into something quite delicious.

Honey mustard vinaigrette

Serves: 4

Combine 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp wholegrain mustard and 1 garlic clove (crushed) in a small bowl. Note: You can use Dijon mustard instead of wholegrain.

Serve with: Leafy green salads.

Horseradish dressing

Serves: 6

Place ⅓ cup (80ml) 99% fat-free plain Greek-style yoghurt, ⅓ cup (80ml) reduced-fat mayonnaise, 2 tbs buttermilk, 1 garlic clove (crushed), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbs horseradish cream and 1 tbs finely chopped fresh chives in a medium bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Serve with: Cooked prawns, smoked salmon, salad leaves or potato salad.

Basil and tomato dressing

Serves: 6

Combine 1 tbs olive oil, ½ tsp grated lemon rind, ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice, 1 garlic clove (crushed), 4 vine-ripened tomatoes (finely chopped), 2 tbs finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ⅓ cup shredded fresh basil leaves in a small bowl.

Serve with: Grilled fish, chicken, lamb, beef, pork or salad leaves.

Sesame, ginger and soy dressing

Serves: 8

Place 2 tbs salt-reduced soy sauce, 1 tbs mirin, 2 tsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and ½ tsp sesame oil in a bottle. Shake to combine.

Serve with: Noodles, steamed chicken, rice and steamed Asian greens.

Creamy chive dressing

Serves: 12

Whisk 2 tbs whole-egg mayonnaise, 2 tbs 99% fat-free plain natural yoghurt, ¼ tsp dried mint, 1 tbs white vinegar and 2 tbs finely chopped fresh chives in a small bowl.

Serve with: Potato or pasta salad.